Episode Zero: "I Give You: New Atlantis!"

The regal Seaport Boston Hotel ballroom was filled with antsy news reporters, eager journalists, and stressed campaign workers. Everyone was busily preparing for the big announcement from the Senator. The ever-likable Senator James Atlas was going to reveal the details of his extraordinary humanitarian effort that had plagued the city and the nation with rumors. As the teeming attendees were finalizing last minute details and finding their seats, a booming speaker from somewhere behind the stage proclaimed the entrance of the much-anticipated political figure.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand and give a round of applause for the future of the American Way... Senator James Atlas!”

The crowd roared to life as they stood to their feet and clapped wildly for the presenting Senator. From the right of the stage, the curtains ruffled and out stepped the sharp-looking political figure. His gleaming white, million-dollar smile was on full display as he waved a well-rehearsed hand at the audience. As he walked to the center of the stage where a podium was set up, he stopped and looked at the sea of eager attendees. It was a chaotic scene with cameras flashing, cameras swiveling, and audio recorders. Each device was thrust out like a rod and reel to catch the biggest story possible.

The Senator paused for a moment for everyone to get a good look at his appearance. Standing at a decent 6' 2", he was in his early thirties and well-built. By his appearance and fitness one would assume him to be a professional football player rather than a politician. Bulging muscles hid behind a sharp earl gray pinstripe suit that spoke power along with his polished black loafers and a fantastic yellow gold watch set with diamonds. His attire beckoned a classic formality and a thirst for excellence. To complement his handsome appearance was his face. Tanned due in part to his Italian heritage, the Senator displayed experience in his dark brown eyes and square jaw. Just when the view was too much to handle, the striking Senator raised his hand to quiet the crowd. Amazingly, the crowd was silenced to submission by the powerful figure. Pleased by the results, he began his long-awaited speech:

“Motivation…” he stated with a brief pause. “It is the key to success and is instrumental in transformation.”

“What is it that motivates us? Family, friends, country: these are to name a few.” He paused to scan the sea of bodies with curious eyes before him. “One of my biggest motivators are people, and these days there are a lot of them.” He finished his statement by discreetly picking up a small remote on the podium, and then continued.

“That is why I am here today to tell the people…”

He clicked a button on the remote and a city diagram appeared on a projection screen that had been silently lowered behind him.

“...my proposed island city-state project has been approved. It was just passed to begin construction immediately!”

An applause erupted throughout the ballroom. The Senator gave the crowd a moment to soak in his pride and excitement. Then he raised his hand once more to signal silence and continued with his speech. “I have acquired enough sponsors to start funding the project. Each sponsor will have a city sector to do as they wish. I will be meeting with these sponsors, as well as several others I have lined up and plan on visiting, to see if we can get this fantastic opportunity moving along as quickly as possible. The faster we complete the project the sooner fresh opportunities can come calling to those either looking to start new lives or to improve the ones they have already. It’s the chance of a lifetime! A bright new future ahead that is just begging to be discovered and enjoyed!”

To illustrate his point, Senator Atlas signaled for the lights to be dimmed and stepped off the stage.

Moments later, pleasant orchestral music started to play as the conference room screens came to life revealing a beautiful mountainous island nation surrounded by shimmering oceans and bathed in glorious sunlight. An unseen female voice started to speak, "Atlantis. The beautiful mythical island that has graced our imaginations for millennia. She was first mentioned in Plato's work The Republic. Though much has been shrouded in lore and fantasy, the truths surrounding her sociological and political philosophies demonstrated by her people still hold precedence today."

The scene then rapidly zoomed into the heart of the ancient Grecian city. The audience was now walking through a bustling marketplace as the voiceover continued: “This luxurious city-state was the very epitome of a republic. The people were the main concern, and they developed their nation into a legend. We can recreate this legend and start a whole new legacy, if we take the truths of the past and fuse them together with the advancements of the present.”

Over time, the city subtly evolved into a CGI futuristic city that seemed to have jumped out of a science-fiction movie. Excitement passed through the crowd with anticipation of what more could be told of this amazing project being presented to them.

“I give you... the beautiful city of New Atlantis!” Senator Atlas’ voice rang out in a voiceover.

As the model of the city faded away, the screen went black and a single phrase showed up in stunning gold: “A New Legend Begins, June 2020”.

The applause was deafening as the video ended with a triumphant final score. Senator Atlas came back to the podium smiling with pride at the shared joy of the conception of his long-awaited endeavor. Absorbing it all in, Atlas was more than pleased at the reception of not only his visual spectacle of a presentation, but also at the sight of his audience standing and applauding at his efforts. After about two minutes of congratulatory praise, Atlas raised his hand once again to quiet the crowd.

“Once again, thank you all for the applause!” he smiled and continued. “To be quite honest, this project would not have been feasible were it not for the many sponsors and citizens of the Commonwealth who shared this vision and contributed so much to see this become a reality. As a token of my appreciation, I have a big announcement that as a thank you for your attending this amazing event and sharing this evening with me, I have prepared a reception for you all. Please enjoy the food and drink, as I had to bribe the finest restaurants in Boston, as well as the staff of the beautiful Seaport Hotel, to bring this all together and make sure that you all did not go home empty handed! Enjoy and Good Night!”

He capped his last statement by taking a step back from the podium, brought both his hands to his lips, and spread his palms to the audience as if to blow a kiss to everyone. For the fourth time that evening, the audience stood to their feet in applause as Senator Atlas walked off the stage. Once he walked off the stage, those in attendance were directed by ushers to the exit doors to enjoy the outdoor reception.

The senator immediately met with the mayor outside. The two politicians were conversing on the elegantly decorated garden patio of the hotel trying to hear themselves speak above the throngs of people enjoying the Mediterranean theme of the whole reception. The scents of olive oil, roasted vegetables, and wild lavender permeated the air giving the guests the illusion of an authentic Grecian celebration.

“Congratulations, James!” stated the Mayor of Boston. “I would never have dreamed that such a notion would become a reality and such a beacon of hope for the American people. If this keeps up, you might just get the next Nobel Peace Prize.”

“As tempting as that sounds, Mayor, I just want to focus on one thing at a time,” chuckled Atlas. “City-state first, then maybe Nobel Peace Prize, and who knows, possibly the Presidency!”

Caught up in the effects of the whole affair, the mayor started laughing at the notion and patted Atlas’ shoulder. “Woah, hold onto your horses, Senator! You don’t want to overburden yourself with too many ideas! You have done an outstanding job representing Massachusetts and transforming her back into a state of prominence, but I might say that your politics are a little weak for the big dogs at the Capitol!”

Offended, James’ smile vanished. He looked the mayor in the eye with a look of hatred that spoke of explicit anger. The mayor’s joke had taken a drastic turn into uncharted territory.

“I’m kidding!” he laughed nervously after an awkward pause. “James, you know that I like to joke, and that if you really wanted to run for the Presidency, then you would have my full support.”

For a tense moment, the attempted apology seemed to have no effect as James’ glare remained fixed deep in the mayor’s eyes. Then, as suddenly as his mood shifted, it transformed back into his outgoing attitude as his eyes softened and a smile broke upon his stony face.

“Haha! That was a good one, Mayor!” laughed Atlas. “I’ll certainly give you that. For a moment there, I thought you were serious and wasn’t sure if you were going to make it out of this party alive!” He slapped the mayor on the back to console his concerned face and continued. “My friend, you know I would never get rid of you. How you’re leading this great city is a reminder that I have been privileged to have such a loyal supporter and friend after all these years.”

With that, he shook the mayor’s hand and immersed himself back into the dining crowd to continue intermingling. Atlas looked down at his watch and made note of the hands illuminated by the reflection of the outdoor lanterns on the diamonds.

“11:45,” he thought to himself. “It’s almost time for the show.”

He made his way to one of the elegantly laden tables of food and drink lined up against the railing overlooking Boston Harbor. He grabbed a small square plate from the far left table and started down the appetizers. Plump grilled shrimp generously bathed in a lemon butter sauce, a perfect tablespoon of roasted pepper hummus, freshly baked pita chips, and a generous helping of mozzarella stuffed kalamatas had quickly found their place on his plate. Satisfied, he made his way to the next table containing the main entrees. He had just chosen a tender slice of braised veal when he heard a familiar voice calling from behind.

“Mr. Senator!”

He turned around to see who had called out to him so cheerily. He was pleased to see one of his lovely aides rushing toward him with an enthusiastic smile on her face. A professional looking woman in her early thirties was weaving in and out of the mingling crowds trying to avoid three things: spilling anything on her very professional charcoal gray plaid one button jacket and skirt, tripping on her equally sharp charcoal plaid pumps, or dropping the leather portfolio she had firmly clutched to her chest in her right arm. Once she made it to Senator Atlas, she smiled once again and paused to catch her breath.

“Now, what is it that has you all excited and rushing in here to declare my presence?” questioned Atlas, grinning.

“The free food!” laughed the aide as she straightened her outfit and made sure her blonde ponytail hadn’t wandered off. Once adjusted, she looked again into her boss’ eyes, smiled her glossed lips once more, and proceeded to explain the true reasoning behind her grand entrance. “Actually, the free food is only part of the reason. I am actually here to show you this.” She opened up the portfolio to reveal a digital tablet. Within seconds, she had pulled up the source of her excitement and showed it to Atlas. His smile spread even farther across his face as he read what was on the screen.

“Ninety-seven percent increase in funds…. Metasteel tests are excellent…. and is that true? Am I reading this one right?” James inquired. He turned to the aide who had taken the time to grab herself a plate of fresh cut watermelon and honeydew. Her eyebrows furrowing, she chose one more chunk of honeydew and made her way back to Atlas. He showed her the image that had piqued his curiosity. She studied it and was opening her mouth to respond when Atlas checked his watch, then made a sudden declaration.

“It’s five minutes till midnight! Time for the final act of the evening!”

He returned the tablet to her and turned around to face the feasting crowd. Projecting his authoritative voice, he called for attention from the feasting crowd.

“May I have your attention please!”

The crowd quieted down as the man of the hour beckoned their attention. Once the crowd’s attention had fully turned to him, Atlas straightened his suit, smiled, and addressed his audience. “This evening could not be more perfect, and I am so glad... no, ecstatic, that each one of you are here to share this with me! Now, to toast the evening off and to welcome the new day ahead of us I have prepared a final act for you all. There are fireworks set up in the middle of the ocean, positioned in the exact location where New Atlantis City Center will be.”

Pausing to look at his watch, he continued, “In exactly two minutes, you all shall be witnesses of the best show since the 4th of July!” And with that, he turned around back to the railing and looked out at the dark horizon just beyond the harbor. His aide returned to his side and whispered in his ear. His eyes grew wide with amazement as the reaffirmation of his inquiry materialized even more prospective thoughts in his mind. Lost in a new train of thought, he leaned over the railing and muttered to himself with a sly grin on his face.

“And so, it begins...”

As if on cue, multitudes of shooting stars shot up from the horizon and lit up the sky with booming appraisal.

A new era had just begun.

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